Welfare Officers (Overseas Service)

asked the Secretary of State for War on what principle welfare officers are appointed for overseas work; and whether such appointments are offered to Welfare Officers at home in view of the excellent work they have done?

Sir J. Griģģ

The Welfare Officers for service overseas are found by selecting suitable serving officers who are unemployed. Only those who show a marked interest in welfare are selected and preference is given to those who have had welfare experience with their units. All such officers undergo a course of training in welfare duties. My hon. Friend will appreciate that the system at home is different. The Welfare Officers are voluntary and are unpaid. Moreover in all but a few cases Welfare Officers at home are over the age limit for service overseas. The answer to the last part of the Question is "No, Sir." I should like to take this opportunity to say how much the work done by Welfare Officers at home is appreciated.